Ask anyone who’s become a personal support worker about their job, and they’ll tell you it’s equal parts challenging, enlightening, and fulfilling. It’s an important and necessary job in our country, and with an aging population looking for varying levels of assistance, it’s a career that’s proving to be engaging as well.
Personal support worker jobs are available in many places, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement communities, private homes, and more. The duties of a PSW can be varied, interesting, unexpected, and even change by the day.
So, what are the responsibilities of a personal support worker?
Interacting and socializing with residents and clients.
Providing companionship is one of the most important things a PSW can do. Many residents have lost people significant to them, or see their families infrequently, and it can leave them feeling lonely. Having someone sit and listen to their concerns, carry on a conversation, or simply spend time with them can lift their spirits and health in ways you’d never expect.
Providing support and advice to a resident’s visiting family and friends is another vital part of personal support worker duties, too. A kind word or insightful comment can help everyone deal with the difficulties of aging, generational differences, and time spent apart.
Never underestimate the power of sitting down, listening, and simply being a friend.
Assisting residents and clients with their physical needs.
Maintaining a productive routine and feeling in control of their lives is key to a resident’s well-being. PSWs help them perform their daily tasks and duties, often starting with their morning care routine. That can include bathing and toileting, choosing an outfit and getting dressed, and proper skin care and grooming.
Throughout the day, there are many duties to perform depending on the individual care plans developed for residents and clients. Administering medication, performing light housekeeping, assisting at mealtimes, accompanying them to appointments and social outings, participating in group activities, encouraging their hobbies, and assisting them with mobility and exercise are all vital and necessary.
Being considerate and careful with residents who may be cognitively or physically impaired is especially important for PSWs. These residents often need to be watched closely, assisted with complex or difficult tasks, and protected from potential injury. A personal support worker with a kind and supportive hand makes a big difference in their lives.
Being a voice for residents, clients, and co-workers.
An essential part of the personal support worker job description is acting as the eyes and ears of fellow staff members and being a voice for residents.
It’s important for PSWs to observe those in their care, and those in the care of their co-workers, for anything that could become an issue (or an opportunity) in their lives. This can include health issues, changes in mobility, or differences in mood. The important thing is to address things quickly, correctly, and with compassion.
This also extends to the health and well-being of co-workers and the visiting family and friends of residents. You never know when a show of support is exactly what a stressed out PSW or emotionally hurt family member needs.
Finally, a PSW needs to be a voice for themselves. They’re human and provide an important service. They deserve support too.
Be job-ready in less than a year with the PSW program at the Academy of Learning Career College.
For over three decades, we’ve been a respected Ontario college providing industry-accurate education and job training that ensures our graduates are ready for their chosen fields.
Students in the Personal Support Worker program receive the training and educational base they need to provide compassionate long-term care and support to individuals in both community and private home settings.
Reach out and book an appointment with Albion College today.
